How to Save Energy with a Manual Thermostat

Although a programmable thermostat offers homeowners many energy-saving and convenient features, if you have a manual or non-programmable thermostat, you can still manage your energy usage effectively. Knowing thermostat basics will help you to still save energy with a manual thermostat.

Location Matters

Your thermostat’s location within your home can greatly impact its temperature readings. Dust, direct sunlight, and drafts can cause the thermostat to show temperatures that do not necessarily match the room’s temperature, therefore causing the system to cycle inefficiently.

The best place to install your thermostat is on the ground floor, in an interior hallway, or in a room that has the most stable and natural air currents. Place the thermostat away from direct sunlight and other heat sources such as the kitchen or laundry room. In addition, nothing should block the device. It should be placed in an area where it can be easily accessed.

Watch Your Settings

For your AC to be energy-efficient, you will need to be very diligent with a manual thermostat, remembering to adjust the settings when you are going to be away for extended periods. For example, before leaving for work in the morning you will need to increase the thermostat to avoid wasting energy cooling or heating a home when no one is there. You will then need to change the setting to more comfortable temperatures when you return home. You can save even more by changing the settings when you are asleep as well.

Benefits of Installing a Programmable Thermostat

While you can try to use your manual thermostat to your advantage, a programmable thermostat is a more convenient option and a good investment. With programmable thermostats you can:

Set the temperatures at specific times so you return home to more comfortable temperatures, for example. This is better than returning to a house that is too cold or too hot, then resetting, and waiting for the temperature to reach a desirable level. With a programmable thermostat, you simply program the settings according to your schedule and let it do all the work.

Save money on your heating and cooling bills by setting the temperature lower or higher when no one is home, therefore not wasting energy when no one is present at the house.

Take advantage of high-tech options like Wi-Fi enabled and “smart” thermostats that can be controlled remotely and learn your family’s preferences.

For convenience and greater comfort, if you are considering upgrading to a programmable thermostat, or if you would like more information about saving with a manual thermostat, contact the experts at Conditioned Air, Inc. at (478) 787-6578. Our team is ready to provide you with affordable solutions and service.

Our friendly technicians are available 24 hours a day for your emergency service needs. Simply give Conditioned Air, Inc. a call, day or night, and let one of our technicians help you with your problem. We are always here to assist you.